Sofia, Bulgaria: The Eurovision Song Contest 2027 will be held in Burgas, a port city on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, organisers announced on Thursday.The event will mark the first time that Bulgaria hosts the competition, following the country's maiden Eurovision victory in May when singer Dara won with the song Bangaranga.Bulgaria's public broadcaster BNT and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed that the contest will take place in Burgas, which was selected ahead of the capital, Sofia.The two semi-finals are scheduled for 11 May and 13 May 2027, while the grand final will be held on 15 May 2027.Martin Green, Eurovision Director, said: "Burgas will bring something truly special to Eurovision. It is a dynamic and welcoming city on the Black Sea coast with a strong musical and cultural identity, which possesses the ambition, infrastructure, and passion needed to welcome the big Eurovision family."Milena Milotinova, head of BNT, said organisers would work closely with the EBU and local authorities to deliver a contest that meets the expectations of viewers worldwide.Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov described hosting Eurovision as a major honour for the city.The announcement comes a day after Eurovision organisers introduced new rules preventing countries affected by armed conflict or other security risks from hosting the competition.Under the new regulations, a winning broadcaster may be deemed ineligible to host if security, safety or regional stability concerns are identified.The contest has faced growing security challenges in recent years amid tensions surrounding Israel's participation and wider geopolitical disputes.Organisers also announced that the minimum age for Eurovision contestants will be raised from 16 to 18 years, citing the need to strengthen safeguarding measures and better protect young performers from the pressures associated with the competition.
